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Latest developments
- The guidelines sheets and forms for various DFG funding programmes were supplemented in March 2024 to include the topic of sustainability in funding activities (see: Forms and guideline). As of 1 September 2024, proposals following the old model are no longer accepted.
- The DFG is committed to anchoring the concept of sustainability in its funding activities in the area of scientific instrumentation and information technology, too. The Call for Idea “Towards Resource-Efficient Major Instrumentation in Research” issued in November 2023 aims to explore the possibilities of concrete funding opportunities dedicated to the sustainable use of instrumentation.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) aims to take appropriate account of ecological sustainability aspects, both in its own activities and in research processes, with scientific excellence always taking centre stage. Since March 2024, proposal guides and forms have asked applicants to “reflect on ecological sustainability aspects in the planning and implementation of research projects”. Applicants are required to present their ideas here in a concise and plausible manner. The aim is to stimulate creativity, initiate ideas and raise awareness of sustainable research so as to establish new standards in research activity by means of a bottom-up process.
The primary aim is focusing on aspects researchers consider as particularly relevant, for example in terms of emissions and resources. Striving for high-quality research remains the top priority when planning and designing a project, ideas on sustainability should not negatively affect knowledge production. To support research that is both excellent and held to high sustainability standards, it is possible to state the need for increased funding for lower-emission and resource-saving research designs in the proposal. (Note: When applying for funding to cover costs, the funding guidelines (General Terms and Conditions for Funding Agreements with the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft e.V. (DFG, German Research Foundation)) and applicable rules of the research institutions apply, i.e. the relevant regulations for the procurement of instrumentation, allocation, procurement of consumables, etc.)
In order to support reflection during the proposal submission process, the DFG Sustainability Commission has drawn up an interdisciplinary catalogue of guiding questions aimed at incorporating sustainability aspects in the research process. It contains exemplary points of reference and questions that are intended to serve as a source of inspiration and are to be understood as an offer; they are neither exhaustive nor complete. The catalogue can help weigh up different approaches to carrying out resource-friendly and climate-friendly studies and the benefits and drawbacks involved, as well as provide support in identifying potential conflicting goals. The questions and examples listed cover four areas:
Example
Acquiring geological samples: Acquiring new samples often requires travel and transport, which gives rise to CO2 emissions. The latter can be reduced by using existing material as far as possible. When designing the project, consideration is given to whether and where the material required may already be available.
Literature
Example
The research proposal refers to existing sustainability certificates or the relevant specifications in the laboratory in question, where applicable.
Examples
Literature
The responsible use of natural resources in field research: American Journal of Primatology, October 2012, Reducing the Ecological Impact of Field Researc
Examples
Examples
Drawn up by the DFG Sustainability Commission in 2021, the recommendation conclude the work of the twenty-member interdisciplinary group headed DFG President Professor Dr. Katja Becker. While focusing on ecological sustainability, the recommendations take links to other dimensions such as social and economic sustainability into account.
Science and the humanities are likewise urgently called upon to take action when it comes to climate protection and the conservation of the environment and resources. At its annual meeting in June 2023, the DFG therefore put an emphasis on the topic of sustainability and expressly spoke out in favour of anchoring aspects of ecological sustainability in DFG funding activities. It does this in its role as the largest research funding organisation in Germany and as a key agent in setting the framework conditions for the research system.
Generally, the DFG is pursuing a “learning process” that allows flexibility for iterative development and adaptation in research. At the same time, the aim is to stimulate creativity among the individuals and organisations involved so as to drive forward the process of change from within the research system itself.
Do you have an example or can you think of other topics/categories that we should include? If so, feel free to get in touch with us. We welcome your suggestions and comments.
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